Watkins informed the board during its regular meeting that the district recently received a letter of approval from the Arkansas Division of Facilities and Transportation to move forward with its proposed project. With the approval, the state department agreed to partner with Atkins schools to construct the facility.

"Just because we've been approved for this funding doesn't mean we can build it just yet," Watkins said. "It does mean we can proceed with our planning, but there's still a ton to be done."

To receive the partnership grant, the district had to conduct a needs assessment to determine what it needed to repair or build. According to Watkins, the district would have spent more money repairing the district's existing K-8 facilities than if they built a new facility.

The proposed facility, estimated at about $15 million, would keep grades K-4 and 5-8 separate, while allowing the schools to share common facilities, such as the cafeteria and gym. The partnership grant would pay two-thirds of the total cost.

In the coming months, Watkins will interview architects for the project, as well as begin to develop plans for the school.

The superintendent clarified, however, "Our plans can be perfect, we can have the land in place, and the state's approval, but if the voters don't approve the millage, [the new facility] won't happen."

By recommendation from Watkins, the board voted to give certified employees a $300 pay increase for the 2007-08 school year, and add the amount to the annual base salary schedule.

Watkins said the figure was calculated after reviewing the district's revenues and expenditures for the year. He explained a decline in enrollment accounted for a decrease in district funds.

Certified employees also received a $100 pay increase for the 2006-07 school year through the state's Teacher Excellence Trust Fund. The raise was in addition to the $325 raise certified employees received in November 2006.

Classified employees will receive a $325 pay increase for the 2007-08 school year, the board voted. The amount was also added to the classified base salary schedule.

Watkins also suggested teacher's aides with 60 or more hours of college credit have $1,000 added to their salaries. The board approved.